Malaysian FA sanctioned after abandonment of FIFA World Cup qualifier

FIFA’s Disciplinary Committee has sanctioned the Football Association of Malaysia (FAM) after serious crowd disturbances led to the abandonment of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™ qualifying match between Malaysia and Saudi Arabia on Saturday 8 September.

After analysis of all the circumstances of the matter, in particular, the match officials’ reports, FAM’s positions as well as the relevant videos and pictures, and due to the seriousness of the incidents, the Disciplinary Committee decided that the next home match of the ‘A’ representative team of Malaysia in the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifying competition (Malaysia v UAE on 17 November 2015) will be played without spectators. The committee also decided to impose a fine of CHF 40,000 and issue FAM with a warning.

Furthermore, the Disciplinary Committee decided that the match be declared to be lost by forfeit by Malaysia (0-3).

FAM was found to be liable for the supporters’ behaviour and, in particular, for breaching art. 6 par. 5 of the Regulations of the 2018 FIFA World Cup Russia™, art. 56, art. 65, 67 par. 1 and art. 67 par. 3 of the FIFA Disciplinary Code as well as art. 4 par. 2, art. 29 par. 1 lit. b) and art. 2 of Annexe C of the FIFA Stadium and Safety Regulations.

Disciplinary proceedings had been opened after several incidents, including smoke bombs and flares, occurred inside Shah Alam Stadium, which led to the abandonment of the match in the 88th minute.

FAM was notified of the terms of the FIFA Disciplinary Committee’s decision today.

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